Monday, January 14, 2013

(Nassau, The Bahamas) The top 20 Bahamian artists on Island FM’s Inspiration with Keith radio show were officially revealed last week as ones to watch in the new year. According to Sunday morning show host Keith Rolle, last year’s list showed a wide range of diversity and has already set a high bar for what’s to come in 2013.

"I received over 60 singles from the Bahamas so local artists really stepped up their game in 2012," said Rolle. "Bahamians did not limit themselves to any specific genre of music but instead combined local flavors to create unique international sounds. We also have Bahamians who sent in music from Atlanta and Los Angeles. Ultimately Bahamians are stretching their talents through singing, songwriting and music production. They are making critical transitions to appeal to listeners outside of The Bahamas. Island FM was the first radio station in the nation to recognize the importance of representing Bahamian music 24/7, and I am personally proud to know that they continue to successfully take 242 to the world by streaming live online.”

For the second consecutive year, Kevan McKenzie snagged the number one spot on the countdown with his latest single, Leave The Boundary Lines. It is also the official the Song Of the "Save Our Bahamas" awareness campaign on the upcoming National gambling referendum.

Meanwhile, new artist of the year was Halle with his song We Alright featuring Stacs of the Gospel Boys, which earned the seventh spot on the countdown.

Number two on the list was jazz vocalist Brettina with Pardon The Storm, followed by gospel choirs Ambassador Devon Rolle & The Barak Movement with Not 4 Sale and Soultimental with Power In The Blood.

In the number five spot was pop/rock group Truesdale from Atlanta led by Bahamian Stefan Moss with their song Turn Around.